It’s gently developed and so it’s just starting to to show its beauty. Of course it has many years of development to go but now is not a bad time to drink this. The core is ripe, super ripe, almost Ribena-like in the flush of sweet blackcurrant flavour it offers. But from there it turns leathery, creamy, earthen, almost spicy. Tannin has a chain-like length, rotating through the wine. There’s alcohol warmth, but this warmth seems full of fruit and flavour. In all, it’s not half bad. Tempted to rate it higher.

Let’s get a little serious. This is simply spectacular cabernet, its five years maturation letting all the fuller bodied elements settle into each other while the aromatics remain fragrant with black berries and musk, the palate perfectly integrated, flavours still energetic, and its tannins fine, ripe and sweet, softening through the finish. It’s delightful from start to finish and is a five star wonder worth your investment.

Excellent colour for age, still bright crimson purple; lots of McLaren Vale dark chocolate, and lots of oak, combine with abundant fruit to provide a welcoming, full-bodied, but soft palate.

Excellent colour for age, still bright crimson purple; lots of McLaren Vale dark chocolate, and lots of oak, combine with abundant fruit to provide a welcoming, full-bodied, but soft palate.